Skip to main content

30 Russell Square

30 Russell Square, London, WC1B 4HS

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • Basement Floor - Meeting Room B01
    Ground Floor - Café, Reception Psychosocial studies Administration Office, Philosophy Administration Office, Teaching Room 103
    First Floor - Teaching Rooms 101, 102
    Second Floor - Academic Offices
    Third Floor - Philosophy Academic Offices 302 - 312
    Fourth Floor - Teaching Rooms 401 - 407.
  • Comments View
    • A portable hearing loop system can be requested at the AV Office.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the fourth floor.
  • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the basement and first floors.
  • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground and first floors.

Centrally Timetabled Spaces

Centrally Timetabled Spaces (Cont)

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Russell Square.
    • There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 112cm (3ft 8in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • There is / are 5 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Lift View
    • There is a lift to access this entrance.
    • The lift does bypass the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • There is a third door that is heavy, push to open with a width of 105cm.
    • The bell is located on the lift.

Lift (Main Entrance)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the main entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 100 kg.
  • The lift is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • The lift door is manual, opens outwards and may be difficult to open.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 149cm x 139cm (4ft 11in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.

Reception (Main Reception)

  • The main reception is located in front of you on entrance.
  • The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are good.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 2 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to G04-G06 and the rear staircase.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • These steps can be seen in photograph 1.
      There are tactile markings at the top and bottom of the steps.
      There are 2 additional medium steps inside each of these rooms. These steps have handrails to the right (photograph 2).
    • There is/are 2 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the left going up, for access to B05-B08.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a platform lift which overcomes the steps.
    • These steps can be seen in photograph 3.
      There are tactile markings at the top and bottom of the steps.
      The steps are overcome by the basement floor lift.
    • There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the right going up, for access to the third floor.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a platform lift which overcomes the steps.
    • These steps can be seen in photograph 4.
      The steps are overcome by the third floor lift.
      There is a similar lift to overcome a similar level change to access rooms 311 and 312. These steps have handrails on the left (photograph 5).
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written and pictorial directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a portable loop.
    • A portable hearing loop can be requested from the AV Office.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • There is a level change to access the fourth floor consisting of 3 deep steps with handrails on both sides or an alternative set with no handrails. There is a platform lift to bypass these steps (photograph 6).
    • The steps are overcome by the fourth floor lift.

Eating and Drinking (Café - Ground Floor)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café.
    • The café is located on the ground floor.
    • There is step-free access to the café.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; written wall menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 102cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 73cm.
    • There are also high tables and high stools.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 108cm.
    • Some tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • At the time of the survey (November 2021) the café was not operating.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1, ,2, 3, 4, 5.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the stairwell on the basement floor, on the first floor, on the third floor and on the fifth floor.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • There are two staircases to the rear left of the building. One goes from G, M, 1 only (photograph 2).
      The other goes to B, G, M, 2, 3, 4, 5 and is otherwise similar to the main staircase (photograph 3).
  • Comments View
    • Access to room 314 is located between the third and fourth floors on staircase A.

Lift (Main Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to your right when you leave the entrance foyer.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on the basement floor, on the first floor, on the third floor and on the fifth floor.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 375kg.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 87cm x 135cm (2ft 10in x 4ft 5in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Level Change (Second Floor)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located on the second floor.
  • There is/are 6 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
  • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • There are six steps in total to access 201A and 201B.
    • The first step is located in front of you when exiting the lift at the bottom of the fire door (photograph 1).
    • Then turn right and there is another step at the base of another door (photograph 2).
    • To your left on going through this door there are another four steps leading to rooms 201A and 201B. These steps have handrails on the right going up (photographs 3 and 4).

Lift (Basement Floor)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the basement floor, to your right on exiting the main lift and stairs lobby.
  • The lift is a stair lift.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the main lift.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 76cm x 82cm (2ft 6in x 2ft 8in).
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Lift (Third Floor)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the third floor, to your right when you exit the main lift.
  • The lift is a stair lift.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the main lift.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 75cm x 82cm (2ft 6in x 2ft 8in).
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar lift to overcome a similar level change to access rooms 311 and 312 (photograph 2).

Lift (Fourth Floor)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the fourth floor, to your right when you exit the main lift.
  • The lift is a stair lift.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main lift.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 84cm x 90cm (2ft 9in x 2ft 11in).
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Fourth Floor - Left Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to your right when you exit the lift on the fourth floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the main lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 130cm x 275cm (4ft 3in x 9ft).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 62cm (2ft).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the right.
    • There is not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a wall which acts as a backrest.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 42cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 64cm (2ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is push.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 85cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the first floor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the main lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There is no step-free access to the ground floor male toilets.
    • These are accessed by 2 steps with a grab rail on the left (photograph 7).
    • There is an additional female toilet located on the stairs between the 4th and 5th floor, accessed by 3 deep steps which provide access (photograph 8, 9 and 10).